Best Overall
Birch Lane One-Light Single Empire Pendant
BIRCHLANE
- The Presley One-Light Single Empire Pendant sports a timeless silhouette, and it comes in multiple sizes and finishes to complement your existing decor.
The Presley One-Light Single Empire Pendant sports a timeless silhouette, and it comes in multiple sizes and finishes to complement your existing decor.
- The opaque metal shade directs light down, so this may not be the best option for illuminating a large room.
The opaque metal shade directs light down, so this may not be the best option for illuminating a large room.
Our pick for the best pendant light overall is the Presley One-Light Single Empire Pendant. The eye-catching design has an enduring empire silhouette that makes a statement against busy and bare backdrops alike. The single-light pendant is available in four metal finishes that play well with all interior design styles.This pendant light is steel-forged and includes a sloped-ceiling adaptor and a down rod to disguise unsightly wires. Better still, the empire pendant is dimmable, allowing you to adjust the ambiance to your needs. Suspend the light solo over your breakfast table, or snag a set of two to anchor your kitchen island in style.Though we appreciate this light’s versatile design and reasonable price point, its opaque metal shade directs the light down and minimizes the brightening effect of the fixture. Because of this, it may not be the best option for illuminating a large room.
Product Details: Type: Empire | Materials: Metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 12 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: Not listed
Key Terms to Know
Hardwired: If a pendant light requires hardwiring, that means it'll be connected directly to electrical components in your ceiling. For this style, you'll need to hire an electrician.
Best Budget
Mack and Milo One-Light Black and Clear Single Pendant
- This pendant light offers a gorgeous glass globe shade that looks comparable to luxury pendants for a fraction of the price.
This pendant light offers a gorgeous glass globe shade that looks comparable to luxury pendants for a fraction of the price.
- The lightbulb isn’t included.
The lightbulb isn’t included.
Update your overhead lighting without breaking the bank with the help of the gleaming Rincon One-Light Black and Clear Single Pendant. This affordable pendant light brings a fresh, modern appeal to your bedroom, breakfast nook, or kitchen with its glossy globe shade and contrasting black cord.The LED-compatible pendant is available in three different sizes and looks striking installed solo above a table, paired up to flank your powder room vanity, or dangling as a set over your kitchen island. We also love that the hardwired pendant is dimmable and compatible with sloped ceilings.
The only drawback to the Rincon pendant is that it requires you to purchase a light bulb separately, which increases the overall price of the fixture.
Product Details: Type: Globe | Materials: Glass, metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.9 x 9.8 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: Maximum height is 73 inches
Best Splurge
Rejuvenation Hood Classic Pendant
- This quality pendant light is highly customizable.
This quality pendant light is highly customizable.
- The price increases depending on your individual design selections.
The price increases depending on your individual design selections.
The Hood Classic Pendant is crafted from exceptional materials, including solid brass hardware and hand-blown glass shades. This splurge-worthy pendant stands apart from other pendant lights because it offers endless customization options to achieve a tailor made fixture for your space.Start designing your Hood Classic Pendant by choosing one of the nine available hardware finishes: aged brass, black enamel, brushed nickel, burnished antique, lacquered polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, old brass, polished nickel, or unlacquered polished brass.
From there, enter a custom length between 21 and 104 inches and pick from 18 glass shade silhouettes to complete your dream pendant design. The Hood Classic pendant offers clear, opal, and wire-meshed globe shades, along with shapely varieties like the Neoclassical Gadrooned or tube shade.The one drawback of this striking pendant light is that it becomes increasingly expensive depending on your custom design selections.
Product Details: Type: Globe | Materials: Brass, glass | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: Varies by customization | Minimum and Maximum Height: 24 and 104 inches
Best for Kitchen
Mercury Row One-Light Single Pendant
- The Rodarte One-Light Pendant comes in four size options and complements many different aesthetics.
The Rodarte One-Light Pendant comes in four size options and complements many different aesthetics.
- It only has two finish options.
It only has two finish options.
The Rodarte One-Light Single Pendant offers elegant task lighting in four sizes to cater to every corner of your kitchen. The conical pendant is hardwired and ranges from a petite 9.5-inch shade to an attention-grabbing 16.5-inch option that will hold its own above your breakfast table.This pendant light is adaptable to sloped ceilings, has an adjustable height, and can be dimmed to deliver the perfect overhead glow day or night. The LED-compatible pendant sports a glimmering gold chain and matching hardware that gives way to a neutral conical shade in your choice of two hues: matte black or creamy white. The inky black option brings a modern look to your kitchen while the soft white shade will look elegant with both neutral and maximalist styles.While the black and white finish options are highly versatile, we feel the color selection is lacking overall. We’d like to see this pendant light in traditional metal finishes like brass, nickel, or bronze as well.
Product Details: Type: Cone | Materials: Metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 13 x 5.2 x 13 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: Maximum height is 60.13 inches
Best for Kitchen Island
Kelly Clarkson Home Diana Four-Light Kitchen Island Pendant
- This pendant light comes in four classic finishes and features a linear silhouette that visually expands your kitchen to create an illusion of a larger space.
This pendant light comes in four classic finishes and features a linear silhouette that visually expands your kitchen to create an illusion of a larger space.
- The linen-blend fabric shades may be more susceptible to stains.
The linen-blend fabric shades may be more susceptible to stains.
Ready to up the ante with your kitchen design? Add the sophisticated Diana Four-Light Kitchen Island Pendant light to your cart now, and thank us later. The linear design and shaded detail make this the best pendant for lighting your kitchen island.
This pendant light is metal forged and features two arms that extend 40 inches wide, inviting eyes to move across the room. The long arms will highlight your expansive island, and evenly distribute diffused light across the room from overhead. Each arm features two candle-style lights topped with linen-blend fabric shades that soften the otherwise sharp design.Take your pick from four versatile finishes to complement your kitchen hardware: natural brass, black, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze. This pendant light is dimmable, LED compatible, sloped ceiling adaptable, and includes a down rod to hide exposed wiring for a polished look.Although we appreciate how the linen detail brings a soft sophistication to the pendant design, keep in mind that the linen may stain more easily than other materials.
Product Details: Type: Linear | Materials: Metal, linen blend | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 5.13 x 7 x 5.13 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 13 inches and 40 inches
Best for Bedroom
Ballard Designs Margot Single Pendant
- The box-pleated fabric shade adds diffused light, which creates a relaxing atmosphere.
The box-pleated fabric shade adds diffused light, which creates a relaxing atmosphere.
- The fabric shade leans more traditional in style and may not look at home in a modern or contemporary bedroom.
The fabric shade leans more traditional in style and may not look at home in a modern or contemporary bedroom.
The Margot Single Pendant earns the coveted title of best for bedrooms because of its classic fabric shade and aged brass hardware. This pendant light is iron forged and hand finished with an antique brass finish to achieve a storied charm befitting French country, traditional, transitional, and cottage bedroom designs.The character-rich pendant can be added to sloped ceilings, and it includes three 12-inch down rods and one 6-inch down rod. The pendant light also comes with your choice of three fabric shades: white linen box pleat, white empire linen side pleat, or the limited-edition indigo Anais pleated shade. The fabric shade makes this the best pendant for a bedroom because it emits a soft, diffused light that sets the tone for tranquility in your bedroom.The Margot Single Pendant is a seamless addition to traditional interiors, but it may not look quite as fitting in a streamlined contemporary or modern bedroom design.
Product Details: Type: Shaded | Materials: Iron, linen | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: Not listed
Best for Dining Room
Pottery Barn Kensington Metal Dual Pendant
- The mixed metal hardware provides versatility and its impressive 60-inch width holds its own above dining room tables.
The mixed metal hardware provides versatility and its impressive 60-inch width holds its own above dining room tables.
- This pendant is not recommended for sloped or slanted ceilings.
This pendant is not recommended for sloped or slanted ceilings.
All the best fine dining experiences begin with good lighting, and the Kensington Metal Dual Pendant is the best option for dining rooms. The linear pendant stands apart from the competition because its dual arms extend an impressive 60 inches wide, giving way to two tapered linen shades that wash the room in soft light. Plus, this pendant light is compatible with a dimmer switch—a must for setting the mood for your seasonal soirees.The sleek, steel-forged pendant features a hand-applied bronze finish enhanced by three fluted brass accents. Airy linen shades balance the high-contrast metal finishes and add a soft elegance to the design. This dual-arm pendant has an adjustable height between 14.5 and 50.5 inches, making it the perfect fit for standard and soaring ceilings alike.Between the versatile color, impressive scale, and adjustable height, it’s not easy to find fault with this fixture. With that said, the Kensington is incompatible with sloped and slanted ceilings.
Product Details: Type: Dual light | Materials: Steel, brass, linen | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 14.5 inches and 50.5 inches
Best for Bathroom
Shades Of Light Pendant
- The Ray Pendant looks equally striking installed solo or as a set of two flanking your bathroom vanity mirror.
The Ray Pendant looks equally striking installed solo or as a set of two flanking your bathroom vanity mirror.
- You must remove the glass shade for periodic dusting and changing the bulb.
You must remove the glass shade for periodic dusting and changing the bulb.
Brighten up your bathroom with the help of the Ray Pendant. The classic-meets-contemporary design is the best pendant for bathrooms because the spherical design makes a statement when installed solo above a freestanding tub or as a pair, flanking your vanity mirror. It also has a clear, globe design so it offers unobstructed light as you’re getting ready.The steel-forged design hangs from the ceiling by a chic chain and features a glamorous glass shade that offers a view of the lightbulb and hardware within. It’s available in three classic finishes: aged brass, old bronze, and polished nickel. Snag the aged brass or polished nickel to round out your contemporary bathroom design. You can also choose the old bronze finish for your rustic or industrial washroom.
One drawback of this pendant light is that its glass shade can easily accumulate dust and show fingerprints. You’ll have to unscrew the shade for regular cleaning and to change the light bulb.
Product Details: Type: Globe | Materials: Glass, steel | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 11.5 x 15.25 x 11.5 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 20.25 inches and 72.5 inches
Best for Low Ceilings
Visual Comfort Country Semi-Flush Bell Jar Lantern
- This pendant light boasts a timeless silhouette that is just the right size to make a statement on standard ceiling heights without overpowering the space.
This pendant light boasts a timeless silhouette that is just the right size to make a statement on standard ceiling heights without overpowering the space.
- You’ll need three 60-watt C11 light bulbs.
You’ll need three 60-watt C11 light bulbs.
The best choice for lower ceilings is the Country Semi-Flush Bell Jar Lantern. This classic fixture is a superior choice for 8 or 9-foot ceilings because it has a transparent glass shade that adds shine to a space without taking up too much visual or physical space in the process.
The three-light lantern is available in four timeless metallic finishes: bronze, polished nickel, antique nickel, and antique burnished brass. The high-quality metal finishes lend it its chameleon quality, making it a seamless addition to spaces of all interior design styles.
The bronze is befitting for a modern farmhouse, Mediterranean or Spanish-style home while the antique nickel finds its niche in a country cottage. Antique burnished brass and polished nickel are our top choices for traditional, contemporary, and transitional spaces.Keep in mind that since there are three light fixtures, you’ll need three 60-watt C11 light bulbs to accompany this pendant light.
Product Details: Type: Bell lantern | Materials: Glass, metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 16.5 x 13 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 16.5 inches
Best for High Ceilings
Lulu and Georgia Gala Wide Pendant Light
- This pendant light has an impressive scale that will fill the visual space below your ceiling.
This pendant light has an impressive scale that will fill the visual space below your ceiling.
- The sleek and modern silhouette may be too casual for traditional interiors.
The sleek and modern silhouette may be too casual for traditional interiors.
Take your lighting game to new heights and bring high style to your soaring ceilings with the help of the Gala Wide Pendant Light. The open-frame lantern design is expansive, but doesn’t take up too much space visually.This pendant light is steel-forged, dimmable, and calls for five candle-style light bulbs to illuminate large spaces. It comes in your choice of three finishes: brushed nickel, brass, or matte black. The brushed nickel and brass finishes are ideal for contemporary or transitional interiors, while the inky matte-black option is our pick for farmhouse, industrial, or Mediterranean abodes.The Gala Wide Pendant has a maximum height of 98.25 inches, providing ample length to suspend the fixture to suit your foyer, living room, or dining room’s high ceilings. Better still, the geometric fixture is damp-rated and approved for covered outdoor use, making it the best choice to elevate your patio or pool house design.Though there is no denying this pendant’s appeal for contemporary and transitional spaces, we do feel that its pared-back silhouette may look out of place in a traditional-style home.
Product Details: Type: Lantern | Materials: Metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 28 x 25 x 28 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 25 inches and 98.75 inches
Best for Vaulted Ceilings
Birch Lane Reid Four-Light Lantern Pendant
- The streamlined geometric frame draws the eyes up, accentuating sloped or vaulted ceilings.
The streamlined geometric frame draws the eyes up, accentuating sloped or vaulted ceilings.
- This is a large pendant that may require professional installation or an extra set of hands.
This is a large pendant that may require professional installation or an extra set of hands.
The best pendant light for a vaulted ceiling draws attention to the dramatic architecture without getting lost in the space. The Reid Four-Light Lantern Pendant is the perfect pendant light for vaulted ceilings with its streamlined geometric silhouette, gleaming glass panels, and lustrous metal frame.This oversized pendant houses four candle-style lights that sparkle behind the glass panels and offer ample light to illuminate open spaces. The impressive fixture boasts a jewel-cut frame in a satin brass, antique brushed nickel, or brushed nickel finish. The subtle metal finishes offer a touch of contrast to the glass design, adding interest overhead that’s sure to captivate guests.The pendant light is delivered fully assembled (without bulbs) and includes a sloped ceiling adapter. It’s also LED compatible, dimmable, and approved for damp locations. Before purchasing this pendant, you may want to consider hiring a professional to install it due to its large size.
Product Details: Type: Lantern | Materials: Steel, glass | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 23.25 x 34 x 23.25 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 34 inches and 109 inches
Best Set
Pottery Barn Three-Light Glass Pendant
- This statement-making pendant set offers high-quality materials and craftsmanship at a reasonable price point.
This statement-making pendant set offers high-quality materials and craftsmanship at a reasonable price point.
- It’s not compatible with a dimmer switch, and it’s only available in an antique bronze finish.
It’s not compatible with a dimmer switch, and it’s only available in an antique bronze finish.
Why settle for one pendant light when you can have three? Our pick for the best set is the McCarthy Three-Light Glass Pendant. The charming trio features a sturdy steel frame with a hand-applied antique bronze finish and boasts three hand-blown glass shades in varied silhouettes.Its mismatched shades and staggered pendant height bring a subtle whimsy overhead that lend the fixture its statement-making quality. This triple glass pendant is moderately priced, and the hardwired pendant is damp UL-listed, making it the ideal finishing touch for your covered porch or patio.Unfortunately, the pendant light is incompatible with dimmer switches, meaning you can’t tailor the light to the occasion. It’s also only available in the dark bronze color. While the distressed bronze is ideal for industrial, farmhouse, or loft interiors, it may not mesh with the existing hardware in your contemporary, transitional, or traditional home.
Product Details: Type: Cluster | Materials: Glass, metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 23 x 38 x 23 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 29.5 inches and 38 inches
Best Modern
AllModern Laroche Steel Dimmable Pendant
- The matte black finish and sleek lines will look right at home in a contemporary space.
The matte black finish and sleek lines will look right at home in a contemporary space.
- The conical shade directs the light down, meaning it’s best reserved for mood lighting over a table or bedside reading.
The conical shade directs the light down, meaning it’s best reserved for mood lighting over a table or bedside reading.
The Laroche Steel Dimmable Pendant is the perfect choice for those wanting to add lighting to a modern space. The steel-forged pendant boasts a bold conical silhouette and a matte black finish that complements a contemporary aesthetic. In addition to matte black, you can also choose from a burnished brass or matte white finish.
This pendant light offers adjustable height to achieve a tailored fit above your kitchen table, island, or bedside table. The hardwired fixture is adaptable for sloped ceilings and it’s dimmer friendly. It comes in two sizes and looks chic installed solo or as a pair flanking your bed frame.Keep in mind the daring conical shade directs all light toward the floor. While this will serve you well as a modern reading light or shapely statement piece above your breakfast table, it may not be ideal for brightening an entire room.
Product Details: Type: Cone | Materials: Steel | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 7.75 x 12.5 x 7.75 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: Maximum height is 156 inches
Best Farmhouse
Shades Of Light Fire and Earth Pendant Dome
- The distressed metal finish will add texture and character to your farmhouse space.
The distressed metal finish will add texture and character to your farmhouse space.
- This pendant runs on the smaller side and might not be large enough to anchor a large table or kitchen island solo.
This pendant runs on the smaller side and might not be large enough to anchor a large table or kitchen island solo.
The Nostalgic Charm Pendant is the farm-fresh finishing touch you need to tie your space together.The dimmable metal pendant boasts a bell shade sculpted with dimensional banding and a character-rich hammered surface. The rustic fixture is available in two aged-to-perfection finishes to enhance your farmhouse furnishings: oxidized nickel or brass.This pendant light has an overall diameter of 10 inches and is smaller than other pendant lights on our list. With that said, we think this charmer would look picture-perfect installed solo above your farmhouse sink, paired up in an otherwise shadowy hallway, or suspended in a set of three above your kitchen island.
Product Details: Type: Bell | Materials: Metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 10 x 11 x 10 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 13 inches and 131 inches
Best Industrial
Shades Of Light Weathered Industrial Caged Pendant
- This pendant light features patinated finishes and a caged silhouette.
This pendant light features patinated finishes and a caged silhouette.
- The cage will need to be removed to change the light bulbs.
The cage will need to be removed to change the light bulbs.
The Weathered Industrial Caged Pendant encapsulates a factory-forward style with its bulky shade, lived-in finishes, and iconic caged details. The head-turning pendant hangs from a weathered chain and features a robust bell shade enhanced by a cage and chunky finishing hardware. The inside of the roomy shade houses two light bulbs and sports a contrasting copper lining that will wash your space in a fiery glow.
This pendant light is dimmable and available in three weathered finishes, each lending a rustic appeal to your space. The black patina and copper finish is sure to command attention with its matte texture and subtle veins of teal woven throughout.
The copper patina is a fail-proof option to usher warmth into your industrial space, and the French white and gold finish serves as an understated option, bridging the gap between contemporary and industrial style. Keep in mind that you will have to remove the cage in order to change the lightbulbs.
Product Details: Type: Caged | Materials: Copper, metal | Installation: Hardwired | Dimensions: 16.5 x 16 x 16.5 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 20 inches and 88 inches